Sprinkler



Dec. 9, 1930. J. T. PLUMER SPRINKLER 12 1927 2 Sheets-5h66?. 1

Filed Octt INVENTOR. dame.: "7. Pwner ATTORNEY.

J. T. PLUMER SPINKLER Filed och 12, 1927 2 Shee'tS-Shee(d 2 fw 1. .7 a,Z m mx u r ay x l 7 n ,N W,

83 se 77 615A sa l I N VEN TORA *Jv-9h68 Z Plnen ATTORNEY Patented Dec.9, 1930 PATENT OFFICE JAMES T. PLUMER, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN SPRINKLER iApplication mea october `12, 1927. serial No. 225,625.

My invention relates to a new and useful improvement in a sprinkler,particularly of the travelling type, and has for its object theprovision of a sprinkler of this class 5 which will be simple instructure, economical of manufacture and highly eiflcient in use.

i-inother obj ect of the invention is the provision in a sprinkler ofthis class of mechanism for shutting off the supply of water to l thesprinkling and travelling mechanism after the sprinkler has travelled apredetermined distance.

Another obj ectof the invention is the pron vision of a clutch mechanismwhereby the l travelling mechanism may be rendered inoperative at will.

Another objectof the invention is the provision in a sprinkler of thisclass of an oscillating nozzle, and provided with a mechanism foroscillating the same.

Another ob]- ect of the invention is the provision of a plurality ofnozzles adapted to thoroughly sprinkle a maximum area while thesprinkler is travelling, and adapted to sprinkle all of the areaincluded within its range.

Another object of the invention is the provision in a sprinkler of thisclass of a frame which will be light and durable and cheaplymanufactured.

Another object of the invention is the provision in a sprinkler of thisclass of a yieldable traction member so that the frame will be normallysupported in a horizontal position regardless of any unevenness oftheground over which propelled.

. Another object'of the invention is the provision in a sprinkler ofthis class of mecha,- nism for rewinding the hosev after the sprinklerhas travelled the desired distance.

'Another object of the invention is the provision of a novel andefficient means of connectino the hose to the sprinkling nozzles.

Another obj ect of the invention is the provision of a rotating signalon the sprinkler which may be visible at night time, and which willindicate whether or not the sprinkler is operating and functioning inthe proper manner.

Otherobjects will appear hereinafter.

The invention consists in the combination and arrangement of partshereinafter described and claimed.

rlhe invention will be best understood by a reference to theaccompanying drawings 5 which form a part of this specification and inwhich,

Fig. l is a top plan view of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a sectional View taken on line 3 3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4 4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a sectional View taken on line 65 5 5 ofv Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken on line 6 6 of Fig. l.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line 7 7 of Fig. 4.. 70

Fig. 8 is a front elevational View of one of the nozzles used in theinvention.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken on line 9 9 of Fig. 8.

As shown in the drawings, referring particularly to Fig. e, tractionwheels ll and l2 are mounted on axles 13 and le respectivelL these axlesbeing threaded into plugs l5 and 16 respectively, which are insertedinto tittings l? and i8 respectively7 these fittings being in the natureof a cross. Threaded into the fitting l? (Figs. l and 2) is the pipe 19which extends through the swivelly mounted 'l' 2O and is connected tothe pipe 22 by the L 23. this pipe 22 being connected by the L 2% 8. tothe pipe 25 which extends through the sleeve 26 and is threaded into thefitting 16. Extending around the pipe 19 is a. sleeve 29. A pipe 30 isthreaded into the fitting l? and connected, by the L 8l, to the pipe 82which 9G is connected by the l.. 33 to the pipe 34C which is threadedinto the fitting 18. The pipe 34 extends through the sleeve 35, to whichone end of the brace 36 is attached. A brace 37 is attached at one endto the sleeve 26. A 9 sleeve 38 embraces the pipe 30 and attachedthereto atl one end is a brace 39. A brace 40 is attached at one end tothe sleeve 29. Collars all and l2 are iixedly mounted on the pipe 19 atopposite ends of the T 20, this T being swivclly mounted on the pipe 19and fixed axially thereof. A brace 43 serves to connect the pipes 19 and25, as shown in Fig. 1. Se cured at one end to the brace draft bar 44which is also secured to the pipe 22 and carries at its forward end aring 45, to which a suitable attachment may be applied so that thedevice may be drawn by power, if desired. Braces which are provided withL-shaped ends 46 and 47 are secured to the bar 43 and also tothe angleiron 48 wir` ch extends around the marginal edges 'of the table orplatform 49. A roller 50 is mounted centrally on the' pipe 32 and heldin position axially thereof by means of the collars51 and 52.

Extending downwardly from the T 20 is a pipe 53 which is connected bythe coupling 54 to the pipe 55, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, a, plate56 being positioned between the ends of the pipes 53 and 55. A closure57 is provided for the lower end of the pipe 55, this pipe beingprovided with the axially extending slot 58 in which rides the pin 59proj ected through the shaft 60. this shaft extending through theclosure. 57 and carrying a yoke at its lower end upon which is rotatablymounted a. roller 61. The upper ends of the braces 39 and 40 and thebraces 36 an d 37 are secured to the members 47 and 46 respectively,thus reinforcing the platform 49 relatively to the frame formed fromthe'pipes described.

The fittings 17 and 18 (see Fig. 4) are closed by suitable plugs 88 sothat they do not communie-.ate with the pipes 1 9 and 30 or the pipes 25or 34. Threaded at opposite 'ends into the fittings 17 and 18 is anenlarged pipe 63 having a plurality oi perforations formed intermediateits ends. Rotatably mounted on the pipe is a disc or hub 65, projectingoutwardly from which are spokes 66 connect-ing `with the drum 67. Asimilar disc or hub 69 is rotatably mounted at the opposite end of thepipe 63 and connected by the spokes 70 to the drum 67. A collar 71serves to retain the disc69 in axial position on the pipe 64 and acollar 68 serves to retainthe disc or hub in axial position on the pipeProjecting outwardly from the pe riphery of the drum 67 are spokes 72connecting with a ring Similar spokes 74- project outwardly from theperiphery of the drum 67 and connect with the ring 75, these spokes 72and 74 and their connecting rings serving as side guardsfor the reelformed by the drum 67. Positioned on the pipe 63 is a, cupshaped member76 whichis threaded into one end of'the T 82 having the nipple 83project.- infr therefrom. Threaded on the opposite of the cup-shapedmember 76 is a cup-shaped packer 7 7 adapted to retain the packing 78compressed between the cup-shaped member 76 andthe pipe 63 to form awatertight connection. At the oppoiste end of the T 82k is a similarstructure, the cup-shaped Vcommunicate withthe pipe 63 1s a pipe 89.

A. similar pipe 90 connects into the fitting 18, these pipes 89 and 90connecting withthe pipes 91 and 91', each threaded into the T 92, fromwhich leads a pipe infwhich is positioned the valve 93. A pipe 95 (seeFig. 5) leads upwardly from vthe valve 93 and threads into thecup-shaped member 96 which threads on to the sleeve 97 to which issecured, intermediate its ends, on its inner surface, a strip 98.

Cooperating with the pipe is the pipe 99 Y which extends into the sleeve97 and carries at its lower end, securedto its periphery, the annular'member 101 adapted to engage the lower edge of the member 98. Threadedon to the sleeve 97 is a packing member 102 adapted to compress thepacking 103 so as to form a watertight joint around the pipe 99. Fixedlymounted on the pipe 99 is a gear 104 `(sec Fig. 2). Secured to. incommunication with, and projecting outwardly from the pipe 99 are nozzlebearing arms 105 and 106, each having at its free end a distributingnozzle.

Projecting upwardly from the pipe 99 is a support 107 serving to supporta'lantern or light having one side 108 closed with an opaque closure andthe side 109closed with a transparent closure, lingers 110 being pressedyaround the base of the lantern to securely hold it in position so thatas it rotates, the opaque side and the transparent side will bealternately presented to View, thus indieating,y particularly at nighttime, whether or. not the deviceisffunctioning and the pipe 99 rotating.The nozzles in the arms105 and 106 are of a wellknown type, soconstructed and arranged that as the watery is delivered through thearms and 106 under pressure and outwardly through the nozzles attachedto these arms. a rotation, on account of the reaction. of the pipe 99will be effected.

Meshing with the gear 104 isa gear 111, which is iXedly mounted upon theshaft 112. This shaft 112 is journa-lled in a bearing 113 whichk issecured tothe vertically extending plate 114, this plate being supportedby the pipe :95 and the U bolt 115. A similar bearing 116v supports theshaft 112 at its lower end. Fixedly mounted on the shaftA 112 on itslower endV is a worm 117 meshing with a worm gear 118 which is fiXedlymounted ontheshaft 119 extending'transversely of the platformandjournalled in suitable bearings 120 fiXedly mounted on the outer endof the sha-ft `119 i-s a sprocket Wheel 121, passtween each of thenozzles 149 and the T ing over whichis a chain 122 which extends aroundthe sprocket wheel 123 lixedly mounted to the hub of the wheel 11. Asprocket wheel V12'4 is mounted on the opposite end of the shaft 119 andconnected by the sprocket chain 125 to the sprocket wheel 126 which isiinedly mounted upon the hub of the wheel 12. Eachof these sprocketwheels 121 and 124 is similarly constructed so t-hat adescription of oneend of the structure'mounted at one end of the shaft 119, will sufficefor a description of both ends. A collar 127 4as shown in Fig. 6, isfixedly mounted on the shaft 119 to retain the sprocket wheel 121 inaxial position on the shaft 119, this collar 127 coopera-ting with theblock 129 which ispiixedly mounted on the shaft 119 by means of the setscrew 130, the sprocket 121 being loosely positioned on this shaft 119.Slidably mounted in the block 129 is a rod 131 which carries a head 132at its inner end adapted for engagement in the recess 128 formed in thesprocket 121. A packing nut 134 is threaded into a recess formed in theblock 129 and one end of the coil spring`133 engages the inner end ofthis nut 134, the opposite end of the coil spring engaging the head 132on the rod 131. Projected transversely through the rod 131 is a pin 136which normally, when vthe head 1321s in engagement with the openings orrecesses 128 formed in the face of the wheel 121, lies in the slot 135formed in the hea-dof the nut 134. When it is desired that the shaft 119may rotate for eifecting a rotation of the sprocket 121, the rod 131 maybe retracted so as to move the head 132 out of engagement with therecesses 128 and turned ninety degrees to retainthe same in itsretracted posit-ion. In this posit-ion a rotation of the pipe 99wo'uld'not effect a travelling of the sprinkler. While the head 132 isin engagement with the recesses 128 a travelling of the sprinkler willbe effected. When the gears 121 and 124 are both engaged the travel ofthe sprinkler in a straight line is assured, the same propelling powerbeing delivered to each wheel.

FiXedly mounted on the shaft 119 (see Fig. 1) is a bevel gear 137meshing with the bevel gear 138 which is fixedly mounted upon the shaft139 journalled in suitable bearings supported by the platform 49. A disc140 is fixedly mounted on the opposite end of the shaft 139 and a pitmanor crank rod 141 is eccentrica-liv connected to the disc 140. This rod141 connects to an arm 142 which is connected to the T 143 (see Fig. 4).The T 143 connects to the laterally directed nozzles 149, a valve 148being interposed be- The T 143 connects by means of the pipe 144 withthe pipe 145, the connection of the pipe 144 with the pipe 145 being aswivel connection, and the pipe 145 connects through the swivelconnection. 147 with the swivel connection 94 which connects to the pipe95, these swivel connections being as shown in Fig. 5 and alreadydescribed. Consequently', the'nozzles 149 are connected through thevalves 148 with the interior of the pipe 95.

A support 146 extends upwardly from the platform and serves as a supportfor the pipes`144 and 145.

The operation is such that when water is supplied through the pipe 145and the pipe 95 set into rotation so as to rotate the shaft 119, thedisc 140 4will be rotated to cause a rocking or oscillating of thenozzles 149. Each of these nozzles 149 is provided at its inner end withan opening 150 provid-ed with a plurality of angularly direct-ed outletpassages 151.

' Fixedlymounted on the shaft 119 is a worm 150 meshing with a gear 151which is fixedly mounted on the vertically extending shaft 152. rI'hsshaft 152 extends through a bearing and iixedly mounted upon the shaft152 below the bearing is a gear 153 (see Fig` 7 adapted to mesh. with aVrack bar 154 slidably mounted in the U-shaped guide member 155 which ismounted on the member 49. One end of this guide member 155 is notchedout and adapted to extend between the plates 156 and 157, a pin 156being projected through these plates. These plates are pivot-allyconnected to one end of the arm 159, the opposite end of which ispivotally connected to the arm`160 which'is adapted to open and closethe valve 93. A spring 161 is connected at one end to the arm 159 and atits opposite end to the platform 49, as clearly appears in Fig. 1 andFig. 4. As shown in Fig. 7, there are mounted on the platform,projecting upwardly therefrom, stops 162 and 163 for limiting themovement of the arm 159 and the plates 156 and 157. By adjusting therelative position of the rack bar 154 and the guide 155 in accordancewith the graduations 158 shown on this guide, the device, when set intooperation, and the shaft caused to rotate, will effect a travelling ofthe rack bar 154, and when this rack bar 154 has travelled apredetermined distance, depending upon the distance of travel of thesprinkler, the rack bar 154 will disengag'e the pin 156 from the guidemember 155, thus permitting the spring 161 to rock the arm 159 so as toclose the valve 93. 1n this way, the device may be set for a travellingof a certain distance, and when the sprinkler has travelled the desireddistance, the water will be automatically shut off so that furthersprinkling will be prevented. The device is set by moving the rack bar154 until its end registers with graduations indicating the distance tobe traveled.

To rewind the hose on the reel, 1 have provided near the handle atransversely extending rotatable shaft 158 upon which is mounted asprocket wheel 167 connected by the f chainv 166 to the sprocket wheel165 which is fastened tothe side ofthe reel (see Fig. 1). By rotatingthe shaft 168 with a suitable crank, the reell ma Y be rotated in eitherdirection, so as to win or unwind the hose there- In operation, when thehose is connected to the supply of water and the valve 93 opened, thepipe 95, rotating, will effect a sprinkling from the arms 105 and 106,and

also from the nozzles 149, these being oscillated, as described.

As the arms 105 and 106'rotate, it is evident that a travelling of themechanism will be yeffected so as to unwind the hose and travel over anarea, sprinklingas the travelling is effected.

If it is desired to operate the nozzles withoutthetravelling mechanism,the clutch may be disengaged by retracting the rod 131,` as described. Y

When it Vis desired to travel a predetermined distance, and have thesprinkler cease its operation, the necessary adjustment is made with therack bar.

When it is not desired to use the support with the roller 61 thereon thesame may be swung upwardly out of operative position, the connectionbeing `a swivel connection (see Fig. 3).

It is believed apparent that the structure of a sprinkler as described,is ione which is light, easily and cheaply manufactured, durable, andeasily operated. I 1 n The salient features of the invention having beenpointed out, it is believed that the efficiency of such a device willalso be apparent.

While yI have illustrated and described nozzles 149 the preferred formof my invention, I do notl l wish tov limit myself to the precisedetails lli) ofstructure shown, but desire to avail myself of lsuchvariations and modications as come within the scope of the appended x.;claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is: A

1. A sprinkler of the class described, comprising: rotatable nozzlesrotatable in response to the reaction of the jets of waterV issuingtherefrom; an auxiliary set of nozzles rockably mounted; and meansoperable upon the rotation of said first mentioned nozzles for effectinga rocking of said second mentioned nozzles.

2. In a sprinkler of the class described: a rotatable nozzle; akrotatable support, said nozzle ,being rotatable upon' delivery of Waterunder pressure,therethrough and said support being rotatable in unisonwith said nozzle; a light mounted on said support; and a housing forenclosing said light, one side of said housing being opaque and theother being transparent.

3. In a sprinkler of the class described: a frame; traction memberssupporting said frame; a rotatable nozzle; an osci lating nozzle, saidrotatable nozzle being rotatable upon issuance of water under pressuretherefrom; propelling mechanism for rotating said traction wheels; meansoperable upon the rotation of said first mentioned nozzle for operatingsaid propelling mechanism; means for operating said oscillating nozzleuponrotation of said lrotatable nozzle; a valve for controlling the flowof water to said nozzles; and means operable upon travel of saidsprinkler a predetermined distance for closing said valve. Y

4. In a sprinkler of the class described: traction Wheels; a rotatablenozzle supportedby saidr traction wheels, said nozzle being rotatableupon issuance of Water therefrom under pressure; means operable upon theron tation'of said nozzle for effecting a rotation of said tractionwheels and a traveling of saidl sprinkler; a control `valve forcontrolling the flow of water to said nozzle; a spring normally tendingto move said control valve to closed position; releasable means forresisting movement of said valve to closed position; a movable bar forengaging said resisting ineanswand releasingthe same; and rotatablemeans for moving said barinto engaging position.

5. In a sprinkler of the class described: traction wheels; a rotatablenozzle supported by said traction wheels, said nozzle being rotatableupon issuance of water therefrom Vunder pressure; means operable uponthe rotation of saidfnozzleA for effecting a rotation of said tractionwheels and a traveling of said sprinkler; a control valve-forcontrolling the flow of water to said nozzle; a spring normally tendingto move said control valve to closed position; releasable means forresisting movement of said valve to closed position; a movable bar forengaging said resisting means and releasing the same; and rotatablemeans for moving said bar into engaging position, the distance ofmovement of said bar depending upon the amount of rotation of saidrotatable means.

6. In a sprinkler ofthe class described: traction Wheels; a rotatablenozzle supported by said traction wheels, said nozzle being rotatableupon issuance of water therefrom under pressure; meansA operable uponthe rotation of said nozzle for effecting a. rotation of said tractionWheels and a traveling of said sprinkler; a control valve forcontrolling the flow of Water to saidnozzle; a spring normally tendingto move said control valve to closed position; releasable means forresisting movement of said valve to closedposition; a rotatable gearrotatable upon rotation of said traction wheels; a rack bar slidablymounted and engaging said gear and slidable upon rotation thereof forengaging and releasing said releasable means.

7. In a sprinkler of the class described: traction Wheels; a rotatablenozzle supported by said traction Wheels, said nozzle being rotatableupon issuance of Water therefrom under pressure; means operable upon therota-tion of said nozzle for eecting a rotation of said traction Wheelsand a traveling m of said sprinkler; a control valve for controlling theflow of Water to said nozzle a spring normally tending to move saidcontrol valve to closed position; releasable means for resistingmovement of said valve to closed position; a rotatable gear rotatableupon rotation of said traction Wheels; a rack bar slidably mounted andengaging said gear and slidable upon rotation thereof for engaging andreleasing said releasable means; and means for i@ varying the relativelocation of said rack bar and said gear for determining the amount oftravel of said rack bar prior to engagement of the saine therewith Withsaid releasable means. Y 5 8. In a sprinkler of the class described:traction Wheels; a rotatable nozzle supported by said traction Wheels,said nozzle being r0- tatable upon issuance of Water therefrom underpressure; means operable upon the rotation of said nozzle for eecting arotation of said traction Wheels and a travelling of said sprinkler; acontrol valve for control ling the flow of Water to said nozzle; aspring normally tending to move said controlvalve to closed position;releasable means for resisting movement of said valve to closedposition; a rotatable gear rotatable upon rotation of said tractionWheels; a rack bar slidably mounted and engaging said gear and slidableupon rotation thereof for engaging and releasing said releasable means;and a guide member for said rack bar.

In testimony whereof I have signed the foregoing specication. JAMES T.PLUMER.

